Who not how
Unlocking goals with teamwork speed
Description
Entrepreneurs frequently ask the wrong question when considering a new project: "How do we do this?". The better question is: "Who can do this for us?". Adopting a "Who" mentality opens up more ideas and partnerships. Shifting focus from "How" to "Who" lifts achievement while granting more freedom. It's win-win. Evaluating "Who Not How" when assessing projects or expansion reframes your thinking.
Initially, 10X or 100X goals may seem ridiculous. But big visions compel bigger actions through leveraging others' skills. As Dan says, making a better present requires a bigger future. Expanding key metrics 10X forces involving capable "Whos". Alone, 10X becomes impossible. Each "Who" makes the impossible possible, improving time, income, relationships, and purpose. "Who Not How" unlocks exponential growth.
Table of contents
01More time
Entrepreneurs often boast about working extremely long hours, wearing it like a badge of honor. They tend to have a strong work ethic, which is admirable, but also have a habit of taking on too many tasks at once. The temptation for entrepreneurs to add yet another “interesting” project to their overflowing plates frequently proves irresistible, even when their current workload already surpasses their available time.
The solution lies in shifting focus from fretting over “How” to accomplish everything to determining “Who” can get it done. Rather than persisting as a lone ranger, begin gathering a self-directed team able to drive results. A company comprised of competent members who manage themselves frees the founder to achieve more while working less. When staff take full ownership of realizing an exciting, clearly defined vision in whatever manner works best for them, leaders need not micromanage.
The irony is that an entrepreneur’s most imaginative ideas rarely emerge while working in the business. Instead, innovative concepts tend to pop into mind during leisure time at home, commuting, or engaging in recreational activities. By avoiding a hands-on approach, chances increase of stumbling upon refreshing new perspectives.
Obsessing over personally handling all aspects of your ventures severely restricts access to resources capable of furthering your goals. With limited assets, potential and options narrow accordingly. Combining forces multiplies capacity exponentially, instantly heightening efficacy. Relationships transform who you are and help transcend present constraints. Connections determine outcomes. Bonds give life meaning.
Bringing others onto your team to accomplish aims requires investing time, energy and funds. Once you make that commitment, your dedication to realizing your goals intensifies. With staff on board working toward your vision, you get serious about making it happen. Staying focused and motivated becomes easier with a vested interest in success.
02Increased wealth
When you begin enlisting other people ("Whos") to work towards your goals, you'll spend less time distracted and on unproductive activities. The end result is that you'll have more time and energy to devote to leveraging your strengths and generating income.
One of the main benefits of asking "Who can help with this?" rather than trying to figure out "How can I do this myself?" is that you tap into others' time and resources. This frees you up to focus more on your own high-value tasks, logically improving your long-term earning potential. As one expert stated, "You can’t expand your financial freedom without increasing the number of Whos supporting your efforts. Asking ‘Who?’ instantly boosts your capabilities."
Imagine having a team responsible for turning your ideas into reality. That level of support would be transformative, empowering you to accomplish more than you could alone. This happens when you get into the habit of asking "Who?" rather than "How?".
Business problems generally fall into two categories: technical and adaptive. Technical problems have known solutions - you just need to learn how. For these, ask "Who can help?" rather than trying to learn it all yourself. By delegating technical work, you avoid wasting time developing new skills and stay focused on your strengths. As one leader said, "You can increase revenue by freeing up mental energy through delegating tasks. Consider if you really want to do this work yourself. Could you better spend your time? Could someone else handle this, allowing you to focus on more valuable activities?"
03Improved relationships
Collaborating with others can open doors to new opportunities and help you achieve more than you could on your own. When you start delegating tasks and relying on strategic partners, you'll likely find mentors who can guide you to the next level. Confidence grows when working alongside capable people, as world-class collaborators can take your products and services to new heights.
By utilizing connections, referred to as "Whos," you can form relationships with talented individuals. If you create value and are willing to share it with collaborators, high-quality partners will likely want to work with you. When initiating these relationships, consider what's in it for the other person and ensure the vision aligns with their goals. Often the best way to start is by volunteering for a cause they care about without expectation of reward. This not only does good but also positions you to connect with influential people.
Expressing genuine gratitude also attracts abundance and makes people want to assist you more, as it evokes enjoyment in working together. Gratitude boosts likeability and humility. Try focusing on creating value rather than just pursuing success. As Einstein stated, "A man of value will give more than he receives."
04Greater purpose
When we spend less time on tasks we're not skilled at, we free up more time and energy to make an impact in areas better suited to our abilities. With renewed confidence and an expanded vision, we can set and achieve new goals instead of spinning our wheels in frustration. A creative person is motivated more by the desire to succeed than to beat others, as Ayn Rand noted.
Yet focusing only on "How?" all the time risks isolating us in our objectives, considering only what we must do ourselves. When we think "Who?" instead, possibilities expand exponentially through cooperation. The Dalai Lama observed that extreme self-interest fosters loneliness, fear, and anger, while progress comes through communication and collaboration.
If you can inspire a shared vision and lead a team to fulfill it, your potential is limitless. Competition is for losers, according to investor Peter Thiel. Consider Michael Jordan's experience with the Chicago Bulls. Though deemed a superstar when drafted in 1984, the Bulls never made it past round one of playoffs during his first six seasons. Jordan grasped the "How?" of winning championships but needed the right "Who?" to achieve it.
The 1987 addition of Scottie Pippen provided a collaborative spark, pushing Jordan to elevate his game as the Bulls advanced deeper into playoffs. But opposing teams swarmed Jordan whenever he got the ball, neutralizing him and dooming Chicago's chances.
Head coach Phil Jackson's 1989 introduction of the triangle offense, with its emphasis on passing and movement, took pressure off Jordan. In Jackson's first season, the Bulls went 55-27 and reached round three of playoffs. The following year they went 61-21 and claimed the first of six titles in seven seasons. Jordan's brilliance could only fully shine through committed teamwork and a brilliant system.
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